Pot dispensary applicant arraigned

GREENFIELD — James Pasiecnik, a Whately potato farmer seeking a state medical marijuana license, has been arraigned on assault charges in Greenfield District Court.

Pasiecnik, 59, of 207 River Road in Whately, was arraigned on two charges of assault and battery and on a witness intimidation complaint. Not guilty pleas were entered.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for Feb. 12.

On Nov. 15, Pasiecnik allegedly assaulted Michael Gochinski, 37, of 10 Pond St., Greenfield, at his farm over $200 by shaking him back and forth. Later, Pasiecnik allegedly threatened Gochinski on a cellphone call while Gochinski was at the Whately Police Department.

The accuser claims he suffered a pulled muscle and whiplash from the alleged assault.

Pasiecnik’s nonprofit group, J.M. Farm’s Patient Group, is one of three applicants competing to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Franklin County. He has plans to open a dispensary and grow center at a site off 10 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield.

Pasiecnik is one of 100 applicants statewide who is under review by the state as part of the final part of the application process. The review is expected to be finished by January. Criminal history of applicants is one of the criteria considered by the state review officials.